{"id":1186,"date":"2026-03-20T10:35:49","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T10:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/osport.com.ng\/?p=1186"},"modified":"2026-03-20T10:35:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T10:35:49","slug":"arsenal-player-bone-injury-encourages-worry-world-cup-now-in-spotlight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osport.com.ng\/?p=1186","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal player bone injury encourages worry – World Cup now in spotlight"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

\"Mikel<\/p>\n

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente worries about Arsenal\u2019s Mikel Merino making it to the World Cup. <\/strong><\/p>\n

The midfielder arrived at the Emirates from Real Sociedad in August 2024. He fractured his shoulder in his first training session, delaying his Arsenal debut for over a month.<\/p>\n

Last season, Mikel Arteta also utilised him as a striker, and the Spain international finished his debut season at Arsenal with nine goals and five assists from 44 matches. He kept picking up minor injuries last season.<\/p>\n

However, Merino was available this season until he suffered a foot injury in Arsenal\u2019s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at home. He came off the bench to replace Martin \u00d8degaard and got his name on the scoresheet.<\/p>\n

The Premier League side have confirmed he has a \u201cbone injury in his right foot\u201d and the 29-year-old underwent surgery. Last month, his compatriot and Arsenal teammate, Mart\u00edn Zubimendi, said Merino is \u201cin pain\u201d and it would be a \u201creal shame\u201d if he misses out on the World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Premier League 2025\/26<\/th>\n\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Appearances<\/td>\n21<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Started<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minutes per game<\/td>\n48<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total minutes played<\/td>\n1007<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Goals<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/p>\n

NT concerned about Arsenal player\u2019s injury<\/h2>\n

Friday\u2019s edition of Marca have a report on the former Newcastle United man and other Spain players currently injured.<\/p>\n

La Roja were set to face Argentina in the Finalissima in Qatar later this month. However, this has been cancelled due to the situation in the Middle East. Instead, Spain face Serbia and Egypt in two friendlies during the March international break.<\/p>\n

\"Concern
Concern in Spain about Arsenal\u2019s Mikel Merino<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On Thursday, De la Fuente announced his squad for the upcoming fixtures. The Arsenal star, along with Paris Saint-Germain\u2019s Fabi\u00e1n Ruiz, Athletic star Nico Williams and Atl\u00e9tico Madrid\u2019s Pablo Barrios are notable absentees.<\/p>\n

Marca now report that among these players, Merino is the \u2018one causing the most concern\u2019 for De La Fuente and Spain for the World Cup.<\/p>\n

This indicates he may not regain full fitness before the summer\u2019s FIFA tournament kicks off on June 11th.<\/p>\n

Arsenal will obviously expect him back before then, or at least hope for that.<\/p>\n

Merino\u2019s record for national team<\/h2>\n
\"Mikel
Kallang-Singapore:27JUL2025-Mikel Merino #23 Player of Arsenal in action during Festival of Football between Arsenal against Newcastle at national stadium ,singapore<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The midfielder has represented Spain at U19, U21 and their Olympic Team before making his senior debut in September 2020.<\/p>\n

He has been a regular for the national team since 2023. The Arsenal player has played 41 matches, managing 10 goals and five assists.<\/p>\n

Merino has won the Euros in 2024 and the UEFA Nations League in 2023 with Spain.<\/p>\n

\n <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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